Blog

I receive a lot of requests for guidance about the use of DMSO. I want to make it clear to my readers that I can’t legally give medical advice to anyone who is not my patient. What I do is research and report on that research. As for treating the eyes, in particular, I found the following:

Robert V. Hill
Department of Surgery
University of Oregon Medical School
Portland, Oregon 97201

This is a second report on preliminary work with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in
the treatment of certain ocular diseases. The first report was made in February,
1973, at the Science Writers Seminar in Ophthalmology, in Los Angeles.(1) The
retinal diseases reported on there were diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration,
and retinitis pigmentosa. At that time, DMSO did not appear to be very beneficial in
diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration, but did appear to have some
beneficial effects in retinitis pigmentosa.

Since that report was presented, further preliminary findings have given cause
for more optimism about the possible beneficial effects of DMSO in macular
degeneration, as well as in retinitis pigmentosa. Because of this evidence, the author
is of the opinion that more extensive, in-depth studies should be done on these two
retinal deterioration gr0ups.(2) Although the possible effectiveness of DMSO on both
of these groups deserves further study, the author has found it possible to undertake
an extensive, in-depth study on only one group at this time, the retinitis pigmentosa
group.

[…]
PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATIONS

The first clue to the possible efficacy of DMSO in retinal diseases was discovered
inadvertently. Some retinitis pigmentosa patients under DMSO treatment for
certain musculoskeletal disorders felt that their vision had improved while they were
taking the drug. Because of their experience, it was suggested that the author do a
preliminary investigation on the effectiveness of DMSO in the treatment of retinal
diseases.(4)

Such an investigation was begun in 1972, after one patient who was suffering
from retinitis pigmentosa had a rather spectacular recovery of vision after
treatment with DMSO. This treatment consisted of topical application of 50%
DMSO in aqueous solution to the cornea by eyecup immersion, for 30 sec, twice
daily. When his DMSO treatment was started (February 10, 1972), this patient
could see hand motion only with his right eye, and had a visual acuity of 20/200
(Snellen) in his left eye. Five days later (February 15, 1972), his vision was measured
as 20/70 + 1 in the left eye, and he could count fingers at 5 ft with his right eye.
Three months later, hisvisual acuity was 20/50 in the left eye.

This patient has continued his treatments daily, except for a 1-week trial interval
without DMSO. He noted that his vision began to get worse during this interval, and
when he restarted treatment, his vision returned to the level he had just before dis-
continuance. His most recent visual acuity measurement (January 2, 1974) is still
20/50 in the left eye, and he is able to count fingers at 6 ft with his right eye.

An additional 50 patients with retinal deteriorations (macular degenerations as
well as retinitis pigmentosa) were then similarly treated with DMSO, and the sub-
jective evidence gathered was also encouraging.(5) This subjective evidence consisted
of improved or stabilized visual acuity, improved or stabilized visual fields, and
improved night vision. (The evidence is considered subjective because it requires sub-
jective responses from the patient.) Of the 50 patients treated with DMSO, 22
improved in visual acuity; 9 improved in visual fields; and 5 improved in dark
adaptation. Two patients have continued to regress, and the rest have had no
measurable or personally noted changes in vision.

The evidence of low toxicity gathered in the preliminary investigation was both
subjective and objective. The objective evidence of low toxicity was obtained by
serial fundus photography and by slitlamp photomicrography. No adverse tissue
reactions were noted. Subjective reports by patients on toxic side effects included
reports of temporary stinging (usually 20 to 30 sec) and occasional burning and
dryness of the skin of the lid.

Some patients also reported what might be called a glare effect. It was accom-
panied by increased sensitivity to light, or photophobia, in some, and was reported
as simply a blur by others. This phenomenon occurred within the first month of the
initial DMSO treatment, after some early improvement had been noted by these
patients. The glare or blur lasted for a few days or a few weeks, and after its disap-
pearance, the subjects again experienced subjective improvement of vision. This
improvement was expressed as improved ability to get around at night, and
improved visual acuity experienced as better perception of contrast.

The findings of the preliminary investigation raise several questions:

1. Can the subjective findings of the preliminary investigation be substantiated by
more objective methods of testing?
2. Are the subjective improvements noted in the preliminary investigation
anything more than the fluctuations of vision usually experienced by persons with
macular degeneration or retinitis pigmentosa?
3. If they are more than this, are they caused by the DMSO treatment or by the
hopefulness of persons who had previously thought there was no help for their afflic-
tion?
4. If the subjective improvements are “real” improvements, caused by the
DMSO, how might the DMSO be working to bring them about?
5. What kind of explanation can be offered for the glare phenomenon?

[…]

SUMMARY

The continuing investigation of DMSO in certain retinal diseases is reported. Ob-
jective evidence of efficacy has not yet been obtained, because the FDA phase III
study is only now starting. Subjective evidence continues to give reason for cautious
optimism, and toxicity appears to be minimal.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Inspiration and assistance in this study was provided by Dr. Stanley Jacob, of
the University of Oregon Medical School, Portland, Oregon.

As to how to apply this treatment – which should not be attempted without consulting your attending physician – I only have reports that it is done by diluting DMSO with physiological solution or sterile saline solution at 25-30% and applied with a dropper twice per day.

Get a small glass bottle with a glass dropper. Make sure you clean it thoroughly and/or boil it for a few minutes.

Get some saline solution from the pharmacy (physiologic solution or sterile saline solution).

Get a 10cc syringe from the pharmacy so you can measure the exact quantities.

With the syringe, put 30cc of saline solution into your small bottle. Then put 9 cc of your pure 99.9% DMSO solution in the small bottle. Beware that you’ll have to extract and pour the DMSO liquid with the syringe quickly and as you pour the DMSO solution, you’ll feel a resistance in the syringe, so you’ll have to apply more pressure. It might be easier to do it in two steps: first pour 5 cc of DMSO and then pour 4 cc of DMSO.

Make sure your bottle is appropriately sealed and that nothing else enters the solution.

Again, I urge my readers to consult their physician. Yes, there have been reports of miracle cures, but there have also been reports of this treatment apparently worsening the condition, so a person’s overall state of health and diet may have much to do with the outcome. Indeed, that is true of any medical treatment and allopathic treatments have a very poor record of curing anything. But before you take your health into your own hands, please do your own research, consult your doctor, so that you can make a truly intelligent and informed decision.

I’m a former heart surgeon who after learning all about the heart and repairs of same from a strictly mechanical point of view, had decided to embark on a healing journey. I was born into a mixed Eastern-Western family and I’ve had the amazing opportunity to live in several countries. I currently work as a countryside family doctor and I spend my time researching all things related to health and wellness and the true nature of our world.

Related Posts

Comments

Anyone tried this? If so how did it go? I and 25 of my family have RP and there doesn’t seem to be any procress in the research that is going on and if and when there is probably wont be able to afford the treatment/cure

My Mom was diagnosed with MD at age 75. She did the 50/50 DMSO/DistilledWater eye cup method. Initially, she could only tolerate 2 – not 30 seconds. She says: “It felt like my eyes were being burned out of my head”. The discomfort eventually diminished & she did 30sec, twice/day. She continued for 6 months, when the opthomologist found “No sign of MD”. That was 15yrs ago; Mom is now 90yrs!
[Saline instead of distilled water is a good idea!]

It does, however, don’t combine it with any medicine that you don’t trust. Medicines might have toxic additives in them. I would combine with pure frankincense oil which is good for inflammation. I would also use a very diluted version of DMSO. The eyes are very sensitive.

That is the kind of research that suffered when the establishment came down on DMSO. In the 50s, such research would be more common. What I know is reported in this post and in the comments section. You can have your eye pressure measured as you experiment.

I have blepharitis in my right eyelid. I have used 99.9 DMSO a couple of times on my eyelid after cleaning lids with everclear. If it didn’t itch so much I would use it more. Am I seeing DMSO and distilled water at 30 cc water top 9 cc of 99.9 DMSO as an eyewash

I’m revising the subject of Omega 3s because they seem to be pretty unstable. That is, you need saturated fat or anti-oxidants to stabilize the omega 3s. DMSO behaves like an anti-oxidant, so I suppose it could be a choice.

Thanks Dr. Segura for your precious help on DMSO.
I have suffered from Serous Retinopathy events. In one eye it has increased and the macular region is greyed out. The overall vision is okay, but glares, vision distortions, night vision difficulties, keep me always on the edge and scared. It also causes headaches and an unpleasant feeling of the unknown. It’s stress related, I know, and soon my stress level should drop soon.
i just read and ordered DMSO 99.9% pure and the book. I will let my pharmacist prepare the mix in a dropper bottle. I’m quite “medicine savvy.”
Can the solution be used as eye drops instead of washes with a cup? I think it would be more practical and less liquid could be used, if localized in the drops. If so, how many drops would you suggest, laying down, and letting them act? How many times a day? Thanks for any help.

I was diagnosed with Uveitis four years ago. I have been using DMSO eye drops twice daily for the last six months and have noticed a marked improvement in eyesight and no more light flashes. I began with a 50/50 solution but have since gone on to using nothing but DMSO. It stings but I get through it because I realize its doing such a great thing for my vision that I tough it out. I also use virgin coconut oil around the sensitive areas of skin around my eyes before dropping in the DMSO. I wish there would be more studies using DMSO so as to give people hope.

Hi Darla. Thanks for your input. I have now been using DMSO as reported by Dr. Segura… made a Saline / DMSO solution 10cc to 3cc of 99.9% pure DMSO and had great improvements also. Just wow.
You said you mixed DMSO to Saline 50/50 and eventually used pure 99.9% DMSO drops in your eyes?
I don’t mind the stinging at the concentration I used, but can you apply it without saline without feeling strong burning or even drying of the cornea? Thanks for sharing your experience.

I do believe it is drying to the eye. Since my original post, I have added hexane free, cold pressed castor oil. One to two drops in each eye before using one to two drops of DMSO in each eye. I have noticed a significant improvement.

TelahunDecember 21, 2017

Hello everyone,
Two years ago I was diagnosed with wet MD in my right eye. I was told to start taking injection right away. I delayed taking the injection and started taking AREDS 2. After I consumed a bottle when I went back, the doctor told me that all the fluid has dried up and I don’t have to worry. I continued taking AREDS 2 for few more months and stopped. The distortion came back. I went to Bacom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Florida and started taking the injection. By the way Bascom Palmer was charging my insurance close to $14,000 to give one injection. So far I have taken three injections on monthly basis. The idea that they are charging $14,000 for one injection was burning me even though it doesn’t come from my pocket.
Recently while browsing the Internet for home remedies for my wife’s knee pain, I stumbled on DMSO. After reading and watching videos on people’s testimonies, I ordered a gallon of ultra pure 99.996% DMSO, 70% DMSO and 30% Aloe Vera. I take two drops in each eye every day and put it on my knee and shoulder for my pain. I also take about two spoonfull by mouth on an empty stomach. It is only two weeks since I started. It is hard to believe. I say to myself it is too good to be true. The cloud in my eyes, due to the onseting of cataract, has cleard out. the pain in my knee and shoulder has decreased by 50%. It is hard to believe! However, my wife see no result so far. I hope it will work for her also.
That is my story with DMSO.
Good luck to those who want to try it.
Remember since DMSO directly enters you blood stream, whenever you use it on your body, make sure your body is clean. Otherwise, it will take all the dirt and sweat with it into your blood!

Thank you for sharing. Dr. Segura suggested that DMSO in the eye should be diluted to a solution of 30cc Saline + 9 cc of DMSO at 99%.
Please clarify how you mix the 99% DMSO with the aloe, in case people tried to use drops of 99% DMSO in the eye, which I believe it’s too strong. Thanks

Can I use bottled distilled water and dmso drops for eye drops? I have both at the house and it would be more convenient.

DarleneJanuary 30, 2018

I do about 30% dnso by mixing it with 10ppm colloidal silver. I just eyeball it to mix it. I have glaucoma and since using these drops, morning and night… Sometimes several times am an pm, I now have great distance vision in left eye and great close up vision in right eye. I can read the inscription inside a wedding ring, for example, very easily. I will come back and report what the doc says because time I go in for a check.

Report.
I have prepared and used the solution as indicated in the article:
1. saline solution from the pharmacy (physiologic solution or sterile saline solution).
2. in a 10cc syringe from the pharmacy, I put 30cc of saline solution into your small bottle. Then put 9 cc of your pure 99.9% DMSO solution in the small bottle.

I have used a dropper to replicate the effect of the rinses with a cup, to have the same effect. The eyes became always red and burnt quite a lot, but I can stand it, for 20-30 seconds. It’s bearable.

I have found that my sight improved very fast and I didn’t see as blurry inside bright lit rooms, or under strong fluorescent lights. Even reading got sharper. I thought that the increased circulation combined with other effects of DMSO, were improving the removal of metabolic byproducts of vision.

However, after a while I felt that the eyes got drier. So much that I hesitated continuing. In the morning I moved my eyes right and left and it almost felt like some sand was stuck on the surface of the eye balls. I had to use regular eye drops to help add some moisture.

I have also tried aloe vera, the product “Aloe Activator” made by the brand “Forever,” one of the leading Aloe Products brands. That alone, as pure as it is, has enough citric acid to give you a stinging effect, so that you know…. I’m still not sure how best to use aloe, and I don’t wish to mix a concoction of DMSO, saline and Aloe, every time I wish to take some drops, and I would not prepare a finished bottle with the aloe mixed with aloe that remains mixed for days.

I hope this helps and I hope to read more detailed reports by others, and what Dr Segura would do, if she was to try the same thing. I understand she can’t give personal advice, but there are ways to go around it and still be of assistance. Thanks

I make a 30% dmso by mixing with colloidal silver that I make. I put this into a used eye drop bottle. My eyes barely burn upon dropping into eyes… Less than 30 sec. I also blink rapidly a after drops… No redness either.

My question is my mom had cataract surgery a few years ago and got back 20/25 vision. But now her vision is dimming. I don’t want to try DSMO eye drops on her because I do not know if it will harm the new lens. Does anyone one have experience in this area?

Two thoughts sunlight calling first you need to know why the dimming is taking place. It may not have anything to do with new cataracts forming. Secondly if it is new cataract forming on the new lenses then you need to find out what the material of the lenses is and see if it is compatible with DMSO or not. I think somewhere in this page there is a list of compatibility of plastics with DMSO, the ones that will not fall apart or break down with DMSO. However, again… I think you need to know what the dimming is actually being caused by.

Hello doctor , at the moment I have 70 percent Dmso and 30 percent aloe .. do you think its ok for me to apply it around the eyes and eyelid ? Will it work the same .. I have glaucoma and cataract .. I only have 10 percent vision left .. hope Dmso can hel me to restore my vision ..

Thank you for your reply Dr Segura .. I wonder what type of eyedrop bottle that I can use for the 50 percent dmso 50 percent distilled water to drop in the eyes ? Do you think i can recycle the empty eyedrop bottle?

VERY IMPRESSED BY THE ANECDOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS OF THIS POST BY THE SAGE Med.Dr.- G.SEQURA…
~Am a white-male industrial-designer born-10/1935, do not believe in wearing eyeglasses, and was alarmed to suddenly discover my left-eye rapidly loosing vision likely due to a type-2 Diabetes caused Cataract condition noticed several months ago, -to the point that the cloudy-occlusion made it impossible to see to drive in daylight via that left-eye alone. In the past month i have been topically administering pharmaceutically-pure Caster-oil via eye-dropper before sleeping at night, and find the Cataract is being dissolved markedly to the degree that i can now fully see the PC-screen as a blurry-image (-can tell there are 8-pica font here in this thread, -but cannot distinguish the font-mage sufficiently as to read what i am typing here via said afflicted left-eye). Accordingly, i’m encouraged that at this rate of progress, i may be able to pass my DMV/eye-test in October!
Am including the fairly recent comment by ‘Darla’ herewith, -as i believe the nightly combination of a droplet of Castor-oil followed with a drop of DMSO can serve to accelerate the progress via ability of the solvent-DMSO to transfer the viscous Castor-oil more effectively through the Cornea-lens! Will try to report back as to results of this enhancement later in 2018… ~R.vH in sanDiego-92123.
[Darla Jan./29/2018…. I do believe DMSO is drying to the eye; -thus since my original post, I have added hexane free, cold-pressed Castor-oil, -one to two drops in each eye, then adding one to two drops of DMSO in each eye; –and am noticing a significant visual improvement! ]

Darla here. I am so pleased to hear of the success you are experiencing with DMSO and hexane-free, cold-pressed castor oil application for your cataract. I share so others might have some measure of success in battling the things that are afflicting our eyesight. Thanks for posting.